Eva S. Lefkowitz, PhD

Department Head and Professor (PI)

Department of Human Development and Family Sciences

Research Overview

My research takes a developmental perspective on sexual behaviors and attitudes during adolescence and the transition to adulthood. I have addressed two major areas of research: (1) predictors of negative and positive aspects of sexual health; and (2) broader health and relationship implications of sexual health. Across my research projects, I include individuals from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and ask research questions about how fundamental processes may differ by factors such as gender or race/ethnicity. I have been a principal investigator, co-investigator, or faculty mentor on projects funded by the NICHD, NIAAA, NIA, NIDA, and the WT Grant Foundation. Current projects include the University Life Study, a measurement burst design study in which we followed college students across seven semesters to examine their sexual behavior, alcohol use, and other health behaviors, and the PROSPER Peers study, in which we are using social network data to better understand how peers and romantic partners influence sexual behaviors. I am also interested in developing research on sexual violence on college campuses.

Education

Ph.D., 1998, Developmental Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
M. A., 1993, Developmental Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
B. A., 1990, Psychology, Brandeis University

Recent/Selected Publications

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